b'GUIDING THE JOURNEYCharlene Smoke receiving her Guiding the Journey Award from Indspire CEO Mike DeGagnCOMING FULL CIRCLEBy Nikita Weiss DayGuiding the Journey Award recipient Charlene Smoke recounts her circuitous path to teaching and elaborates on the important work of Indigenous educatorsCharlene Smoke, a memberCan you share a little bit aboutan opportunity to become a model of Alderville First Nation andthe shape your own educationalat the time, that was in the 90s, educator at Meadowridgejourney took? What compelledand I decided, why not? I was on you to pursue teaching? my own, I could make my own School, has over a decadeI dont think my story is thatdecisions, and I was adventurous. I of experience in Indigenousuncommon, per se, but I had a verystill am. education, leadership anddysfunctional educational journeySo I took a break from school but cultural advocacy. Her workright from the start. I had been toreturned as a mature student. I was recently recognized withfive elementary schools, four highthink I was 22 years old, and I went schools, and I quit school in Grade Indspires Guiding the Journey10. There was a lot of instability andto whats called Langara College. Award for contributions todisconnection in my early educationIt was the very first run of what journey, so I think that helped shapewas called Aboriginal studies at the community-based educationtime. I took that program because and Indigenous knowledge. the way I want to create spaces forI wanted to learn more about my othersnot just my students, butfamilys history and our peoples Indspiration recently spoke toeven my peers. history, because my family really Smoke about her educationalBy the time I was in Grade 10, I wasdidnt talk about it. journey and philosophies, asalready living on my own, out of the well as her words of wisdomhouse, and had to make a decisionHow did this then lead you to for future generations ofwhether I wanted to continue goingpursue a career in education?to school or take an opportunityI started learning and understanding Indigenous educators.that was given to me. I was offeredabout residential schools and how 24indspiration2025'